Are you in need of discrete and successful legal help from a Beverly Hills theft crimes lawyer? You may benefit from a free consultation session with one of our legal professionals. With over 19 years of experience, we know plenty about navigating California’s legal landscape.
The Beverly Hills criminal defense lawyers of Simmrin Law Group are dedicated to protecting individuals like you who have been accused of a wide range of theft-related offenses.
From petty shoplifting to complex burglary cases, we understand the serious consequences these charges can have on a person’s life and are committed to fighting aggressively to safeguard your rights and freedom.
Navigating the California Theft Crimes Landscape
The specific charges and potential penalties that you face depend on the value of the stolen property, the circumstances of the crime, your criminal history, and the legal skill of your Beverly Hills petty theft lawyer or Beverly Hills grand theft attorney.
The state of California defines a variety of unlawful acts as theft crimes, including:
- Petty Theft: Unlawful taking of property or services valued at less than $950 California Penal Code Section 484(a).
- Grand Theft: Unlawful taking of property or services valued at $950 or more California Penal Code Section 487.
- Burglary: Entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or any felony.
- Robbery: Taking property from another person by force or fear.
- Carjacking: Taking a vehicle from another person by force or fear.
- Identity Theft: Unlawfully obtaining and using another person’s identifying information.
Criminal theft charges in Beverly Hills can range from misdemeanors with less than a year in county jail to serious felonies carrying lengthy state prison sentences.
Tailored Defense Strategies for Theft Charges
As your Beverly Hills theft crimes attorney, we understand that every case is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t do. Our lawyers take the time to thoroughly investigate the details of your situation and craft a customized defense strategy for theft crimes aimed at securing the best possible outcome.
Some of the key legal defenses and mitigating factors I may consider include:
- Mistaken Identity: If there is evidence to suggest that you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, we can present evidence to support your alibi or challenge the reliability of witness identification.
- Insufficient Evidence: We will carefully review the evidence against you to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies. If there is insufficient evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we can argue for a dismissal or reduction of charges.
- Lack of Intent: One possible defense is to argue that you did not have the intent to commit theft. This could involve showing that you had permission to take the property or that you mistakenly believed the property was yours.
- Character and Mitigating Factors: We will present evidence of your good character, lack of criminal history, and any mitigating factors that may help to reduce the severity of the charges or penalties.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unlawful search or seizure, we can challenge the admissibility of any evidence obtained as a result.
- Coerced Confession: If you made any self-incriminating statements to law enforcement, we will investigate whether those statements were obtained through coercion or in violation of your Miranda rights.
- Plea Bargaining: In some cases, it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. This could involve pleading guilty to a lesser offense or receiving a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperation or other considerations.
Estimated Timeline of a California Theft Crimes Case
When facing theft charges in California, it’s important to understand the typical timeline and duration of a theft criminal case. The legal process can vary depending on the specific circumstances, but in general, a theft crimes case in California may unfold as follows:
- Initial Arrest and Booking: The process typically begins with an arrest by law enforcement. You will be taken into custody, fingerprinted, and booked into the local county jail. Depending on the nature and severity of the alleged crime, you may be released on bail or held for a brief period before an initial court appearance.
- Arraignment: Within a few days of the arrest, you will be brought before a judge for an arraignment hearing. During this proceeding, the charges are formally presented, and the defendant has the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Preliminary Hearing: For more serious felony theft charges, the case will proceed to a preliminary hearing, typically within ten to 15 days of the arraignment. This hearing allows the judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence to hold the defendant over for trial.
- Plea Bargaining and Motions: If the case moves forward, there is typically a period of several weeks or months where both sides engage in plea bargaining negotiations. During this time, we can also file various pre-trial motions, such as challenges to the evidence or requests for the dismissal of charges.
- Trial: If a plea deal cannot be reached, the case will proceed to a jury trial. The timeline for a trial can vary significantly, but it’s not uncommon for a theft crimes case to take several weeks or even months to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Sentencing: If you are found guilty, either through a plea bargain or a trial verdict, the case will move to the sentencing phase. Sentencing hearings are typically held within a few weeks of the conviction and can involve arguments from both the prosecution and our defense regarding the appropriate punishment.
- Appeal: In some cases, you may choose to appeal the conviction or sentence. The appeals process can add several additional months or even years to the overall duration of the case.
Speak With a Beverly Hills Theft Crimes Lawyer for Free
The Simmrin Law Group provides private, risk-free initial consultation sessions to those who need protection from criminal charges in California. Our theft crimes attorneys in Beverly Hills, CA, explore all applicable legal options so that you can navigate the legal process in confidence that your best interests are protected. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.